Wire wrapping machine and method of using same



WIRE wnAPPING MACHINE AND METHOD 0F USING SAME Filed sept. 21, 1967 Aug". 18, 1970 R H, CULLEN ETAL 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Hoy h. C`r///e'/7` INVENTUM BY #agde/u Hrm/ef Stfiggg//IYl- (bar/e.;- ff/hoff 5mm/e A?, Aken WIRE WRAPPING MACHINE AND METHOD OF USING SAME Filed Sept. 21, 1967 Aug. 18, 1970 R. H. CULLEN Erm.

4 Sheets-Sheet 2 0 you ,w y Ow 1r. HZ

A @A MM mw 0a MA w& m0 uw w Aug. 18, 1970 R, H, CULLEN EVAL 3,524,244

WIRE WRAPPING MACHINE AND'METHOD 0F USING SAME 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed sept. 21. 1967 f d Si .Y

wem m N a m m A f e d HM m y I* @mw m Ill "u ug- 18, 1970 A R. H.' CULLEN ETAL 3,524,244

WIRE WRAPPING MACHINE AND METHOD OF USING SAME Filed sept. 21, 1967 4 sheets-sheet` United States Patent O 3,524,244 WIRE WRAPPING MACHINE AND METHOD OF USING SAME Roy H. Cullen, Charles H. Elliott, and Jimmie R. Aker,

Houston, Tex., assignors, by direct and mesne assignments, to The Youngstown Sheet and Tube Company, a corporation of Ohio Continuation-impart of application Ser. No. 592,410, Nov. 7, 1966. This application Sept. 21, 1967, Ser. No. 669,591

Int. Cl. B21d 39/00; B231) 19/04; D02g 3/36 U.S. Cl. 29-429 12 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A wire wrapping machine and method of using same wherein the machine is adapted to helically wrap a plurality of wires simultaneously on an elongate core; the core is rotated relative to the -wires while a die moves longitudinally relative to the core and wires, with means being provided for relieving any twist in each of the wires during the Iwrapping thereof on the core so that the wires tightly grip the core upon completion of the wrapping. Means are provided for applying swage rings at end couplings of the core to thereby secure the ends of the wrapped wires to the core prior to releasing the tension on the wires.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 592,410, tiled Nov. 7, 1966.

BACKGROUND OF T'HE INVENTION Y In the past, armoring machines for applying wires in a helical wrap on a hose or other core have employed a large rotating head assembly with a spindle or reel for each wire being wrapped. To obtain a planetary lay of the wires, it has been necessary for the spindles or reels to be mounted and operated so that each axis remains parallel to the ground level or some other xed reference plane while the spindles or reels are rotated circumferentially about the hose or core. Additionally, the use of such prior apparatus for relatively large diameter armor ywire of the type required for wrapping the hose or exible pipe of U.S. Pat. No. 3,004,779 results in such an excessively large machine that it is virtually impossible to house it in ordinary shops or buildings.

SUMMARY OF' THE INVENTION The eld of the present invention is apparatus for helically wrapping wires on a core, and methods of using same.

With the apparatus of the present invention, the use of spindles or reels is eliminated while still obtaining a planetary lay of the armor wires on the cable or hose. The armor wires are maintained under tension during wrapping and each wire is allowed to turn, or is positively turned,` about its own longitudinal axis to obtain the planetary lay. Since the spindles or reels are eliminated, relatively large diameter wires may be wrapped with this apparatus without preforming or bending same such as would occur if such wire were wound tightly upon small diameter reels or spindles.

Additionally, in using the apparatus of this invention, swage rings may be used to secure the wrapped wires to be core prior to removing the core from the apparatus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. 1 is an isometric view of one form of the apparatus of this invention;

3,524,244r Patented Aug. 18, 1970 FIG. 2 is a partial view in section of the modified form of the apparatus of FIG. l;

FIG. 3 is a view taken from the right-hand end of FIG. 2 and showing the complete disc and drive means for the modified form of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a partial view showing in detail the portion taken from FIG. 3 as indicated thereon;

FIG. 5 is a view, partly in elevation and partly in section, illustrating schematically one of the steps in the use of the apparatus of this invention for applying a rst layer of wires to an elongate hose or core;

FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 5, but illustrating the application of a second layer of wires to the elongate hose or core;

FIG. 7 is a view illustrating the final elongate hose or core with the two layers of wires wrapped and secured thereon; and

FIGS. 8A and 8B are sectional Views illustrating in detail a portion of a means for preventing the elongate hose or core from twisting during the application of wires helically thereto with the apparatus of this invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Briefly, FIG. l of the drawings illustrates a framework or base F which is adapted to support a longitudinally movable carriage C. As will be explained, the carriage C has means therewith for disposing a plurality of wires W circumferentially around a hose or elongate core H for the purpose of helically wrapping such wires W about the hose H so as to tightly grip same. The hose H is mounted with a rotatable support designated generally with the letter R so thatthe hose or core H is rotated relative to the wires W during the wrapping of the wires W on the core H. Means are provided as indicated generally by the letter S for relieving any t-wist which might otherwise develop in the wires W as theyfare wrapped on the hose or core H whereby the wires W tightly hug or grip the external surface of the hose or core H in the same manner as obtained with a planetary lay of Wires, but without the difficulties or complexities of producing a conventional planetary lay.

The framework or base F may be any suitable structure for supporting the various movable components and other parts of the apparatus of this invention. As illustrated in FIG. l, the framework F includes a pair of longitudinally extending base members 10 which is interconnected with laterally extending base members 11. Vertcally extending tubes 12 extend upwardly from the base formed of the longitudinal members 10 and the lateral members 11 so as to support an upper longitudinally extending tube or bar 14 which serves as a track for one set of rollers of the carriage C as will be explained. On the opposite side of the frame F from the upper track tube 14 is a guide bar 15, which may be formed in numerous ways so as to provide an edge 15a to receive V groove wheels on the carriage C for guiding same during the longitudinal movement of the carriage C relative to the frame F.

The carriage C has a pair of wheels 16 mounted on one side thereof in engagement with the upper surface 14a of the guide rail 14. Preferably, the carriage C also has a pair of V grooved wheels 17 on the other side thereof (one of which is illustrated) for movement along the edge 15a of the angle member or steel plate 15. The V grooved wheels 17 keep the carriage C from shifting laterally with respect to the frame or base F, and therefore it will be appreciated that other suitable means for accomplishing such result may be utilized in place of the V groove wheels and the guide edge 15a. The carriage C has a carriage frame which is made in any suitable manner, but as illustrated, it includes a pair of longitudinally extending carriage frame tubes or elements 20, one of which has the rollers 16 thereon and the other of which has the rollers 17thereon. Laterally extending ribs or support tubes 21 are employed to secure the longitudinally extending channel frame members into a cornmon structure or framework.

A pair of wire guide plates 25 which is longitudinally spaced with respect to each other is welded or otherwise secured to the framework of the carriage C so as to be movable therewith. As illustrated in FIG. 1, each of such guide plates has a plurality of circumferentially disposed holes through which the wires W are adapted to extend for properly positioning and circumferentially disposing the plurality of Wires W around the hose or core H as will be more evident hereinafter. The mounting for the wire guide plates 25 includes stitfening and support tubes or members 26, although any other suitable arrangement for mounting such guide plates 25 on the carriage C may be utilized so long as it is of adequate strength.

Each of the wire guide plates 25 has a central opening therethrough for receiving a guide tube which is welded or otherwise secured to each of such plates 25 and preferably also to the supporting members 21 and 26 with each of the guide plates 25. The tube 30 is connected at its rearward end to a comb 31 which is of circular configuration with comb teeth 31a disposed thereon so as to provide a corresponding number of spaces to the number of wires W to be wrapped. Such comb 31 serves to separate the Wires W in the vicinity of the actual wrapping operation, as will be more fully explained. Suitable bracing 32 extends from the rear of tube 30v to the support members 21 and 26 in the form illustrated in FIG. 1.

At the rearward end of the carriage C, the lateral frame member 21 supports a closing die 35 of any suitable construction for receiving the wires therethrough and for closely fitting such wires W onto the external surface of the hose or core H as the carriage C moves longitudinally relative to the frame or base F. The closing die 35 includes a lower closing die member 35a which is secured to the lateral bar or support 21, and an upper closing die member 35h which is removable secured to the lower die member 35a. Bolts 36 with adjustable lengths are utilized for properly securing the two die members 35a and 35b together so that their semicircular central portions 35C closely engage the wire W for forcing them into close contact with the core H during the longitudinal movement of the die 35 with the carriage C relative to the xed frame F. The rotatable support R for the rearward end of the hose or core H is shown in detail in FIG. 5 of the drawings.

As shown therein, a driven shaft 37 extends into a holder tube 38 and is releasably attached thereto by set screws 39 or any other suitable holding means. The holding tube 38 preferably has internal threads 38a which are in threaded engagement with threads on the end of the elongate hose or core H. Preferably, the end of the holding tube 38 which is adjacent to the threads 38a extends over the first inclined surface of the hose H, assuming the hose H is of the type illustrated and disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,004,779, or one similar thereto. The wires W extend through the closing die 35 and over the tube 38 and through a holding flange 38b formed integrally with the tube 38. Such flange 38b has a plurality of circumferentially spaced openings, the number of which corresponds with the number of the wires W. The wires W extend through such openings 38a` and are engaged by a holding plate 40 disposed rearwardly thereof. A nut 41 is threaded on threads 38d of the holding tube 38 so that the holding plate 40 is slidably urged into wedging or holding engagement with the ends of the wires W which extend through the opening 38C. Thus, the ends of the wires W are firmly clamped to the tube 38 and thus to the end of the hose H. Also, the hose H and the secured ends of the wires W are connected to the rotable shaft 37 for driving same, as will be explained. The shaft 37 is supported in suitable bearings such as indicated at 37a and 37b (FIG. 1), and it has a suitable drive sprocket 37e` mounted thereon. A chain 42 extends around the sprocket 37e and to a similar sprocket on a gear box 43, the gears of which are operated by an electric motor 44 or a suitable prime mover.

For the purpose of moving the carriage C longitudinally with respect to the framework or base F, the gears in the gear box 43 are also preferably connected to a variable speed gear box 45 and a reversing gear box 46 with a reducing gear box 47. The reducing gears in box 47 drive a chain 48 which in turn drives a sprocket 49 on a shaft 50. The shaft` 50 is mounted in suitable pillow block bearings 50a or any other suitable bearings so as to be rotatable upon a movement of the drive sprocket 49.

The shaft 50 carries drive sprockets 50b which are connected to drive chain 52, the rear ends of which are secured at 52a to the rearward end of the carriage C, and the other ends of which are secured to the forward end of the carriage C as indicated at 52b. Idler sprockets 51 are mounted at the other end of the frame F for disposition of the chains 52 thereon while driving the carriage lC forwardly and also returning it. The reversing gear 46 is provided for enabling the movement of the carriage C to be either forwardly or in reverse, and suitable reversing levers are provided (not shown) for such purpose with respect to the reversing gears. The reversing gear 46 in combination with the reversible motor 44 is also used for reversing the helix angle of the wires so that the second layer of wires W (FIG. 6) is wrapped oppositely to the rst layer of wires W. The variable speed gear box 45 is provided to vary the speed of longitudinal movement of the carriage C relative to the hose H to vary the helix angle of the wires W as they are applied to the hose or core H.

It is to be noted that the hose or core H extends from the rotatable support R as specifically disclosed in FIG. 5 and as partially disclosed in FIG. 1, through the tube 30 to a mandrel pilot 53 which is' threaded or is otherwise secured to the hose or core H at its forward end. The mandrel pilot 53 is rotatable with the hose or core H, and it extends slidably into a tubular support 54 which forms a part of the tension assembly S as will lbe explained.

In the form of the invention shown in FIG. 1, the tension assembly S includes a pair of guide rings 55, each of which has circumferentially spaced openings 55a corresponding in number and position to the openings 25a in the plates 25. Each of the wires W has a swivel 57 secured to its free forward end, and the swivel is supported under tension by a coil spring 58 or the like which extends between the rings 55. Thus, each of the wires W is held under tension by the pull supplied by the spring 58, while at the same time, the swivel 57 permits an untwisting, or a relieving of any twisting, of the `wires W during the wrapping of the wires' W on the hose or core H. It will be understood that although only a single spring 58 and a single swivel 57 are illustrated in FIG. 1, such structure is provided for each of the wires W. The rings 5S are shown as supported with bracing 60 extending in different directions and forming a framework which is supported on longitudinally extending members 61, each of which has a wheel 62 rotatably positioned thereon. One of the wheels 62 is adapted to roll on the surface 14a of the track 14 while the other wheel 62 is preferably a V- groove wheel which rolls on the edge 15a of the guide member 15. It is to be noted that the movement of the rings 55 is very limited and is only sufficient to compensate for a movement of the forward ends of the Wires W rearwardly due to their being helically wrapped upon the hose or core H. -For example, the forward ends of wires W normally move rearwardly six feet for every feet of length wrapped on the hose or core H when using To accomplish such movement while maintaining the wires W under tension, the forward end of the framework for the rings 55 is connected to a piston stem 63 which is disposed in a uid cylinder 64. A piston 63a is preferably in such cylinder 64 so that air or hydraulic fluid may be disposed in the cylinder 64 to permit a bleeding of the iiuid as the tension on the wires W reaches a predetermined amount. Thus, a predetermined pressure is maintained in the cylinder 64 on the side of the piston 63a adjacent its piston stem or shaft 63. The relieving of the pressure within the cylinder 64 may be handled automatically or manually as desired so long as the wires W are maintained under tension, While relieving a suliicient amount of tension to insure uniform tension of the wires W during the wrapping operation.

In FIG. 1, a retractable support G is illustrated in which a pair of substantially vertically extending support elements 66 is provided for engaging the portion of the hose or core H which is between the carriage C and the rings 55. Such support members 66 are pivoted at 66a to suitable pivoted brackets 67 which are pivotally mounted to one of the lateral framework bars or tubes 11 by a pivotal mounting 67a. The lower ends of the support elements 66 have guide ends 6617 which extend into slots 68a of a U-shaped guide bracket 68. The lower ends of the support rod 66 are also connected to a piston rod 69 which extends into a cylinder 70 having means for supplying and discharging air or other fluid so as to operate the piston therein which is connected to the piston rod 69.

The piston may be actuated to cause the lower ends of the support 66 to move to the left or rearwardly, and thus to cause the upper ends of the member 66 to swing downwardly below the carriage C, when the carriage C approaches a point at which it would otherwise contact such retractable support G. Such actuation of the cylinder 70 may be accomplished manually or Iwith conventional limit switches. Likewise, the retractable support G may be returned to its supporting position shown in FIG. 1 by reactuating the cylinder 70 to cause the support members -66 to return to their substantially vertical positions. At the upper ends of the support members 66, suitable rollers 66e are preferably provided for engaging the hose or core H, or the support mandrel 53 so as to facilitate rotation thereof.

In FIGS. 2-4, a modified form of the invention is illustrated wherein the spring or tension assembly S-1 is modified as compared to the spring or tension as'- sembly S of FIG. l. Thus, the rings 55 are replaced by rings or plates 155, which have a central pipe or tube 154 welded or otherwise connected to the two plates or rings 155. Suitable rollers 62 are mounted with the plates 55 for limited rolling movement on the track or ibar 14 which corresponds with the bar 14 of FIG. l. It will be appreciated that rollers' 62 will be on both sides of the assembly S-1 so that one or more rollers are also disposed on the track or edge 15a of the frame F of FIG. 1.

The carriage or assembly S-l is moved in any suitable manner to the same extent as explained heretofore in connection with the assembly S to thereby compensate for the lengthwise movement of the ends of the wires W as they are wrapped on the hose or core H. Thus, the pipe 154 is connected to a piston rod or shaft 163 which extends into a fluid cylinder 164 so that a piston 163a therein is adapted to 'be moved backwards or forwardly for controlling the tension on the wires W. Thus, a fourway valve 164a is preferably used with the cylinder 164 for controlling the inlet pressure iluid through an inlet line 164b to either the inlet tube 164e or the inlet tube 164d. Line 164e is provided for a return to the tank of the pressure source. By introducing iluid through the line 164C, it will be appreciated that the piston 163@ will be moved to the right so as to thereby move the pipe 164 and the entire spring or tension assembly S-l'to the right as viewed in FIG. 2. It should be noted that such movement of the pipe 154 is relative to the mandrel 153 which does not move, but slides internally of the pipe 154 in the same manner as the pipe 53 of FIG. 1 lfor thereby supporting the forward end of the hose or core H during the wrapping operation. A relief valve 1641 is provided on the cylinder 164 in FIG. 2, and it may be set to relieve pressure on the right-hand side of the piston 16341 when the pressure reaches a predetermined amount so as to permit the piston 163a to move to the right without developing an excessive tension in the wires W. Also, such valve 164]c may be manually or automatically operated as desired.

With the apparatus illustrated in FIGS. 2-4, the wires W are positively turned to assure the relieving of twist which might otherwise develop in such wires W during the wrapping thereof on the hose or core H. To accomplish such positive untwisting, or relieving of the twisting, of the wires W, two sets of circumferentially disposed sprockets 70 and 71 are provided. The sprockets 70 are disposed internally of the sprockets 71 and are circumferentially staggered so that alternate wires W are positioned on the sprockets 71 and the other alternate wires W are positioned on the sprockets 70, as will be more fully explained. The inner spockets 70 are interconnected 'by a drive chain 72 which extends over a drive sprocket 73a (FIG. 2) while the outer sprockets 71 are driven by a chain 74 which lits over a drive sprocket 73h (FIGS. 2 and 3). The sprockets 73a and 73b are preferably on a common drive shaft 75 which is driven by a constant torque device 76. Each of the sprockets 70 and 71 has a splined rod 77 extending therethrough with splines at 77a with the ybore of each of the sprockets 70 and 71, to thereby provide rotation to the rod 77 in accordance with the rotation of the sprockets 70 and 71, while also permitting a sliding relative movement therebetween. The rods 77 are resiliently urged forwardlly by springs 78 which are disposed between thrust bearings 78b adjacent the ring or plate 155 and suitable adjustable nuts 78a so that a predetermined tension may be maintained i the wires W when the wires W are connected to the rearward end of the rods 77 indicated at 77b. The rotation of the sprockets 70 and 71 may be closely regulated by the torque of operation of the motor 76, which is coordinated with the extent of twisting which would otherwise occur in the wires W during the wrapping operation. Thus, the wires W are positively relieved of any twisting during the wrapping thereof on the hose or core H by means of the structure illustrated in FIGS. 2-4. It is to be noted that the sprockets 70 and 71 preferably have corresponding idler rollers 70a and 71a engaging their respective drive chains (FIG. 4).

Whether the wires W are allowed to relieve themselves of twists as in the form shown in FIG. 1 or are positively relieved of twists `by the form of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 2-4, it is desirable to prevent a twisting of the hose or core H itself during the wrapping operation. Since the hose or core H might become twisted due to the twisting force lof the wires W after they have been wrapped and' secured to the end coupling, and the hose or core C with the wires W then released from the apparatus, the present invention preferably includes a special twist preventing mechanism for the hose or core H as partially illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B. Thus, the right-hand end of the hose or core H is shown in FIG. 8A as being connected to to the tube holder 38 in the same manner as previously described in connection with FIG. 5. Internally of the hose H, the twist preventing tool P is inserted. It extends from one end coupling 80 at the right-hand end of the hose or core H to the other end coupling 81 (FIG. 5) at the forward or left-hand end 7 of the hose or core H. FIGS. 8A and 8B show only the portion of the twisting preventing mechanism P at the coupling `80 and extending into the hose or core H since the end which fits into the coupling 81 is substantially identical thereto, as will be more evident hereinafter.

The twist preventing assembly P includes a central rod or bar 85 which may be of solid stock to give it adequate strength and which is provided with a reduced diameter end section 85a which receives a sleeve 86 thereon (FIG. 8B). The sleeve 86 is connected to the end shaft section 85a by a removable connecting pin 86a or any other suitable mechanism. Jaw segments 87 are disposed in slots 86b of the sleeve 86 to the right of the end section 85a. Such segments, preferably three, are adapted to be expanded outwardly by a tapered cone surface 88a on a longitudinally movable expanding rod 88. The rod 88 has a longitudinal central opening 88h formed therein which is in communication with one or more openings 86e in the sleeve 86. The expander rod 88 is movable longitudinally relative to the sleeve 86 by reason of a threaded engagement therebetween at co-acting threads 86d on the sleeve 86 and threads 88C on the rod 88. Flats 88d may be provided for receiving a wrench or other suitable tool for imparting rotation to the expander rod 88 relative to the sleeve 86 for moving same to expand the jaws 87 into gripping engagement with the inside of the coupling body 80 as illustrated in FIG. 8B or for reversing the direction of movement of the rod 88 to permit a retraction of such jaws 87 from gripping engagement with the coupling body 80. A retaining O-ring or other resilient element 87a urges the jaws 87 inwardly out of gripping engagement with the inside surface of the coupling 80 for insertion and retraction of the equipment P. A one- Way check valve 89 is preferably disposed in the outer end of the passage 88b so as to permit the introduction of pressure through the passage 88h and to the area internally of the hose or core H, while preventing an escape of pressure through such valve 89. A suitable seal 90 is disposed between the sleeve 86 and the internal surface of the coupling 80 for preventing an escape of the pressure fluid when it is introduced in such manner so that the hose or core H may be preshrunk and then engaged by the gripping jaws 87 to hold the hose or core H in a preshrunk state while wrapping the wires W thereon. It will be appreciated that an identical set of jaws 87 and a seal 90 are used on the other end of the bar or rod 85, although a plug can be used in the passage 881: of the expander rod 88 on the other end (not shown) instead of the check valve 89 since the introduction of pressure at one end is all that is required. Other types of slips 87 might be employed on the other end, but for simplicity, it will be assumed that the two ends of the apparatus P are identical, with the slips 87 connected in the coupling body 80 and a similar set of slips 87 connected in the coupling body 81.

In the operation or use of the apparatus of this invention, the hose or core H is preferably preshrunk as explained above and is provided with the twist preventing assembly P prior to positioning same in the apparatus shown in FIG. 1. The hose or core H is then assembled in the apparatus of FIG. 1, and the wires W are positioned so that they extend through each of the openings 25a of the guide plates 25, or such of the openings 25a as are being used for the particular wrapping operation. It will be appreciated that all of such openings 25a may not be utilized if the number of wires to be wrapped is less than the number of such openings 25a. Similarly, the wires W are disposed through the openings 55a of the first ring 55, or they are connected to the sprockets as explained heretofore in connection with FIGS. 2-4. The wires W are preferably then passed at their rearward ends through swage rings 92 and 93 (FIG. 5), which have been disposed on the tube 38 prior to assembly. The internal diameter of each of such swage rings is large enough so that all of the wires W surrounding the holding tube 38 may pass internally of the swage rings 92 and 93 and then the rearward ends of the wires W are clamped by the rings 40 and the nut 41, as previously explained in connection with the rotatable mounting R.

The wrapping operation then proceeds with the wires W being maintained under constant tension with the spring carriage S as previously explained, and with the rotatable support R rotating the hose or core H relative to the wires W. The closing die 35 moves longitudinally with the guide plates 25 and the comb 31 so as to hold the wires W closely in contact with the external surface of the hose or core H during the helical wrapping thereof on the hose or core H.

During the wrapping operation, the amount of decrease of the wires W is compensated for by the movement of the spring carriage S rearwardly, while maintaining the wires W under tension at all times, as previously explained. Also, the wires W are permitted to turn as explained in connection with FIG. 1, or they are positively turned as explained in connection with FIGS. 2-4, to relieve any twisting in the Wires W so that when the wires W are wrapped on the hose or core H, they tightly grip such hose or core H and do not birdcage after the wrapping operation.

When the wires W have been wrapped from the coupling to the coupling 81, the swage rings 92 and 93 are moved into position and then are swaged over the appropriate coupling body to clamp the ends of the wires W on the hose or core H. The condition of such assembly is illustrated in FIG. 6 just prior to applying a second layer of wires W to the hose or core H. After the swage rings 92 and 93 are thus secured on the coupling bodies 80 and 81, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the wires W may be cut and the wrapped core with the layer of wires W thereon may be removed from the apparatus of FIGS. 1 and 2-4. A new set of wires W is then disposed in the apparatus of FIG. l and the hose or core H with the layers of wires W thereon is again positioned in the apparatus for the application of the second layer of wires W'. New swage rings 94 and 95 are disposed in substantially the same position as the swage ring 92 and 93 were disposed for the first layer of Wires W. The steps of wrapping the wires W are repeated in the same manner as described for the wires W except that the wires W; are wrapped at an opposite helix angle to the wires W. This is accomplished by reversing the reversible motor 44 and the reversing gears 46, as previously noted. Then the swage rings 94 and 95 are swaged into position to produce the nal product illustrated in FIG. 7 wherein the two layers of wires W and W are secured to the hose or core H.

Instead of swaging the rings 92, 93, 94, and 95 into position while the hose or core H is in the apparatus, temporary bands may be secured to the wires W and the swaging may be accomplished at a plate remote from the apparatus of this invention. However, the application of the swage rings in the apparatus of this invention prior to removing the hose or core therefrom facilitates the securing operation and assures that the wires are properly in position and firmly held prior to releasing same from their position within the apparatus of this invention.

One of the important features of `the present invention resides in the ability to unwrap a layer of wires W for any reason prior to swaging. For example, if a wire or wires W break during wrapping, or if the helix angle is not satisfactory, then the layer of wires W may be unwrapped and subsequently rewrapped as desired. The unwrapping is accomplished by simply reversing the motor 44 which causes the shaft 37 and core H to rotate in a reverse direction and also causes the carriage C to reverse and move rearwardly, thus providing a rapid unwrapping of the wires W, without damage to the core H or the wires W. After the necessary adjustments or replacements are made, the motor 44 is then reversed to its original rotational direction for the rewrapping operation which is then the same as the original wrapping operation.

The foregoing disclosure and description of the invention are illustrative and explanatory thereof, and various changes in the size, shape, and materials as Well as in the details of the illustrated construction may be made within the scope of the appended claims without departing from the spirit of the invention.

We claim:

1. A wire wrapping machine for wrapping wires on an elongate core, comprising:

(a) rotatable means for mounting an elongate core for rotation about its longitudinal axis;

(b) a clamp for securing the rearward end of each of a plurality of wires in proximity to the rearward end of said core;

(c) a closing die surrounding the wires and movable longitudinally relative to said core;

(d) means for applying a force to hold the wires under tension longitudinally relative to said core;

(e) means for rotating said rotatable means to rotate said core relative to said wires;

(f) means for moving said closing die longitudinally relative to said elongate core and the wires during the rotation of said core to effect a helical wrapping of the wires on said core; and

(g) means for relieving twisting of each wire during wrapping on said core and holding said wires in fixed orientation relative to said core.

2. The structure set forth in claim 1, wherein:

(a) the relieving means positively turns the forward ends of said wires about their own axes to relieve twisting as said wires are wrapped on said core.

3. The structure set forth in claim 1, including:

(a) means for maintaining the wires substantially parallel to said core and spaced therefrom forwardly of said closing die.

4. The structure set forth in claim 1, including:

(a) means for maintaining the wires substantially parallel to said core and spaced therefrom forwardly of said closing die;

(b) said means for maintaining the armor wires substantially parallel including a wire guide plate having circumferentially spaced openings each of which has one of the wires therethrough for thereby circumferentially positioning the wires around the elongate member; and

(c) means for longitudinally moving said wire guide plate relative to said elongate core as said closing die moves.

5. The structure set forth in claim 1, including:

(a) means for preventing a twistingof -said'core during the wrappin g of the Vwires thereon.

6. The structure set forth in claim 1, including:

(a) means for preshrinking said core and for preventing a twisting of said core during the wrapping of the wires thereon.

7. The structure set forth in claim 1, including:

(a) means for reversing the rotation of said core and the direction of movement of said closing dies to unwrap the wires from the core without damage to the core or the wires.

8. The method of helically wrapping wires on an elongate core, comprising the steps of:

(a) supporting an elongate core for rotation;

(b) clamping the rearward end of each of a plurality of wires in proximity to the rearward end of said core;

(c) maintaining the wires under tension longitudinally relative to said core;

(d) rotating the core relative to said wires while advancing a closing die longitudinally of said wires and over said core to helically wrap said wires on said core;

(e) relieving twist in said wires as they are wrapped on said core;

(f) disposing at least one swage ring over said wires prior to wrapping them on said core; and (g) subsequently swaging said swage ring to secure said wires to said core prior to releasing the tension force from said wires.

9. A wire wrapping machine for wrapping wires on an elongate core, comprising:

(a) rotatable means for mounting an elongate core for rotation about its longitudinal axis;

(b) a clamp for securing the rearward end of each of a plurality of wires in proximity to the rearward end of said core;

(c) a closing die surrounding the wires and movable longitudinally relative to said core;

(d) means for applying a force to hold the wires under tension longitudinally relative to said core;

(e) means for rotating said rotatable means to rotate said core relative to said wires;

(f) means for moving said closing dies longitudinally relative to said elongate core and the wires during the rotation of said core to effect a helical Wrapping of the wires on said core and,

(g) swivel means for relieving twisting of each wire during wrapping on said core.

10. A wire wrapping machine for wrapping wires on an elongate core, comprising:

(a) rotatable means for mounting an elongate core for rotation about its longitudinal axis;

(b) a clamp for securing the rearward end of each of a plurality of wires in proximity to the rearward end of said core;

(c) a closing die surrounding the wires and movable longitudinally relative to said core;

(d) means for applying a force to hold the wires under tension longitudinally relative to said core;

(e) means for rotating said rotatable means to rotate said core relative to said wires;

(f) means for moving said closing dies longitudinally relative to said elongate core and the wires during the rotation of said core to effect a helical wrapping of the wires on said core and,

(g) means for mounting a swage ring around said wires for securing said wires to said core after said wires are helically wrapped on said core.

11. The method of helically wrapping Wires on an elongate core, comprising the steps of:

(a) supporting an elongate core for rotation;

(b) clamping the rearward end of each of a plurality of wires in proximity to the rearward end of said core;

(c) maintaining the wires under tension longitudinally relative to said core;

(d) rotating the core relative to said wires while advancing a closing die longitudinally of said wires and over sid core to helically wrap said wires on said core;

(e) relieving twist in said wires as they are wrapped on said core;

(f) preshrinking the core prior to wrapping the wires thereon; and

(g) preventing said core from twisting during the wrapping of the wires thereon.

12. The method fo helically wrapping wires on an elongate core, comprising the steps of:

(a) supporting an elongate core for rotation;

(b) clamping the rearward end of each of a plurality of wires in proximity to the rearward end of said vcore;

(c) maintaining the wires under tension longitudinally relative to said core;

(d) rotating the core relative to said wires while advancing a closing die longitudinally of said Wires and over said core to helically wrap said wires on said core;

1 1 1 2 (e) relieving twist in said wires as they are wrapped 1,995,866 3/ 1935 Schneider.

on said core; and 2,003,673 6/ 1935 Zapf 29-202.5 (f) unwrapping the wires relative to said core without 2,720,475 10/ 1955 Geiger.

damage to the core 0r the wires. 3,004,779 10/ 1961 Cullen et al. 29-505 X References Cited 5 THOMAS H. EAGER, Primary Examiner 1004 643 SgTES PATENTS 29 2025 U'S' Cl' X'R' 1 son 1,127,616 2/1915 Gilson 29 202.5 2'9-202-5 203 505 57- 9 1,976,821 10/1934 Wiggins. 10 

